UNH 2024/2025 Goldberg Edition

[Snively65]

Plymouth State would give us a run for our money...not sure how they are doing this season?

Your Panthers might give our Cats problems this season. PSU is first with 12-1-0-0-2 (OT wins)-0 in the MASCAC, 4 points ahead of Anna Maria. I have not been to a Panthers game yet this year, with only two home games remaining, Anna Maria on February 22nd might be my only chance. Also, the Panthers are 15-5-0 and ranked 19th overall in Div 3.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Andrew Poturalski gets a call up to the Sharks tonight and will play in tonight's game via Montreal (7:30 PT). Potsy is currently the leading scorer in the AHL with 41 points.
(Via CHC)

Maybe he's available for Friday?

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks/latest-news/san-jose-sharks-andrew-poturalski-ahl-leading-scorer-nhl-recall

Looks like an emergency call-up due to some short-term injuries and a recent trade (Granlund). Hadn't realized he signed a two year deal with the Sharks' organization, after things didn't work out for him with Seattle. He's been down this road a few times before (Carolina twice, last year in Seattle, and this one now) and he's never managed to be able to gain a foothold with his NHL opportunities. Can't comment on how he played last night, other than to generally observe he was scoreless, posted a -1, and the Sharks lost, none of which bodes particularly well.

The parallels with Darren Haydar continue though ... Potsy just turned 31 on his fourth call-up, whilst Haydar was 30 when his fourth and last call-up (to Colorado, his 3rd NHL team) arrived 15 years ago. Both have been perennial AHL All-Stars, and I believe Haydar is an AHL HoF'er (I'd imagine Poturalski will be one someday, too). If something doesn't click this time for AP, it's hard to see him ever getting past being what he's been his whole pro career, which is a AAAA player who's too good for the AHL, but can't provide value in a bottom six role at the NHL level. The Sharks have 3 guys in the press box with short term injuries, so his situation is literally game-to-game, and last night was probably not what they had in mind to bolster a longer stay.

Wishing him luck 'cuz I love underdog stories, but it's certainly stacked up against him at this point ...

... as to the UNH coaching situation, I share the widespread disappointment on here regarding MS7, who apparently is no longer taking Norbie's calls, and instead has his boss running interference for him with the latest (regurgitated) propaganda/litany of excuses. I've been relatively quiet on things this year - channeling my inner 'Watcher - waiting to see how this all ends up. But in a parallel hockey universe, I'm enjoying the after-effects of another organization making a decision to change half the coaching staff, and watching things blossom in a most unexpectedly pleasant way in the 20 game stretch that's followed.

I understand that "college hockey is different" and all, but it's not all THAT different. Winning is good, losing is bad, and most of the players are not here primarily for their academics. And now, some of them can even receive a modest stipend. So, if you're losing, and you're also alienating your fanbase ... I'll leave it there, for now.

On the "Umile issue" ... if UNH's next HC hire turns out to give us roughly 25 years of highly competitive hockey, and only really fails badly in his final 5 seasons, I think most of us would take that deal, sight unseen. Umile was a great coach for UNH, and the only debate out there is whether he or Charlie Holt was UNH's best ever HC. Most of those arguments probably lean (some strongly) in Umile's favor. The 2 major broad-brush negatives against Umile are (1) he stayed a few years too long, and (2) he was complicit in choosing a lousy successor.

So when the time comes, do a long-promised nationwide search, do not throw the baby(s) out with the bathwater.

 

[Potluck]

The inability to get the renovation project going has broad ramifications. First, it's an indication of a lack of support for the hockey program. Second, it has a significant impact on recruiting, which creates a performance problem. The fact that there's a dull silence regarding the project suggests it isn't beginning anytime soon. If Souza is dismissed, which isn't going to happen with years left on his deal, the program is not attractive to real blue chip coaching candidates. Put aside the fact that UNH actually prides itself on offering, for the most part, lower tier salaries to University employees, UNH hockey is an underfunded program in a league that has elite, well funded programs. With NIL now in the picture, UNH's only hope is a well heeled benefactor, say a Alfond or Ralph Engelstad, surfacing. Any volunteers?

 

[norbert]

Update on my conversation with AD Rich. Nothing on the renovations though as previously stated, I was told this fall.

She did mention that after the March 1st game against BC, there will be “Breakaway with the Cats” where we will get to hear from the team and their thoughts on the season.

Interesting that this wasn’t mentioned the other day when we weee offered the summer event. I’m assuming this put together between my emails Monday and tonight.

 

[HockeyRef]

The inability to get the renovation project going has broad ramifications. First, it's an indication of a lack of support for the hockey program. Second, it has a significant impact on recruiting, which creates a performance problem. The fact that there's a dull silence regarding the project suggests it isn't beginning anytime soon. If Souza is dismissed, which isn't going to happen with years left on his deal, the program is not attractive to real blue chip coaching candidates. Put aside the fact that UNH actually prides itself on offering, for the most part, lower tier salaries to University employees, UNH hockey is an underfunded program in a league that has elite, well funded programs. With NIL now in the picture, UNH's only hope is a well heeled benefactor, say a Alfond or Ralph Engelstad, surfacing. Any volunteers?

You make excellent points here. I mean, no secret, it takes money. Agree esp on the depth of the league as far as money to programs go, facilities and how
the lack of this hampers us. I used to say to my kid about their college costs 'if I could write the entire check I would in a heartbeat' and I
pretty much feel the same way regarding donating to not only men's hockey but a couple of other sports I follow. Alas, right now its not going
to cut it what I currently send but if I could...

 

[Snively65]

Has any of Anthony DiLorenzo’s $4 mil given almost two years ago to get his Key Auto Group Sports Complex name on the Whit and Hamel Rec Center been spent on anything yet? Asking for a friend.

 

[Chuck Murray]

The inability to get the renovation project going has broad ramifications. First, it's an indication of a lack of support for the hockey program. Second, it has a significant impact on recruiting, which creates a performance problem. The fact that there's a dull silence regarding the project suggests it isn't beginning anytime soon. If Souza is dismissed, which isn't going to happen with years left on his deal, the program is not attractive to real blue chip coaching candidates. Put aside the fact that UNH actually prides itself on offering, for the most part, lower tier salaries to University employees, UNH hockey is an underfunded program in a league that has elite, well funded programs. With NIL now in the picture, UNH's only hope is a well heeled benefactor, say a Alfond or Ralph Engelstad, surfacing. Any volunteers?

The idea that UNH is short of well-heeled benefactors is friggin' laughable. The NH Seacoast region is arguably the most affluent area in Northern New England, and Portsmouth and its suburbs alone are awash in ample gobs of cash. I can't think of an area anywhere across New England that has grown so much, so quickly over the last generation. It bucks the trend of the rest of New England by a fair amount, and with the negative growth trends to the south of us, and quite the opposite in all of southern NH, I expect the influx of capital to communities less than 30 minutes from UNH Durham will continue unabated. A few examples we've mentioned before includes TDL (Snives invoked his name earlier) who is already IN and looking at all kinds of development options in the area, including the McIntyre project in Portsmouth. Joe Faro is printing money with his Tuscan Village megaplex in Salem, and he's a former UNH guy. Sal Lupoli - another paisan food entrepreneur that has been rebuilding Lawrence just south of us - is actively pursuing his own 9-figure megaproject at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom project that's working its way through the local review boards. That's only three (3) guys, all of whom are at an age where legacy matters.

If someone in a high position at UNH really wanted to resurrect UNH Hockey ... drawing up a strategy and a list of key (Key? lol) potential donors to wine & dine would not seem to be so difficult. It is now, however, because the HC has no apparent ambition, much less any vision of the great potential that is here to be mined. A HC, mind you, who was a player here a generation ago, and saw the program at its apex at a time when the local economy was a fraction then of what it is now. It makes you wonder just how observant MS7 was back then, and if the only lesson he took out of his playing career was, "if only I can mimic Coach Umile's style, this all looks like an exceptionally easy gig??"

If you get the right guy ... UNH past or otherwise, but someone who wants to be a college head coach as a career destination (which makes a UNH alum theoretically so potentially attractive in the position), and someone who is not gonna be afraid to work 12 months a year, and 80+ hours a week in-season, PLUS is an outgoing personality who can be genuine in selling his program (and himself) to the potential donors, we can still do amazing things with hockey in Durham. Bring back Friends, eff the so-called NCAA related issues. Do frequent pressers, cultivate relations across all forms of media - traditional radio/TV, podcasts, etc. - send your players out into the community, let local kids know they can regularly see a very good hockey product in Duirham for a fraction of the cost of a trek to Boston to see the (faltering) B's.

It's crazy that at a time when the local Southeast NH economy has never been better, UNH Hockey has never been so irrelevant. And if UNH is worried about declining student applications, your community outreach by the hockey program can't hurt to connect future students to the school. Both of my kids grew up at a time when UNH players would visit their school annually (if not more). Both went to UNH, and it wasn't Mom or Dad pushing them to go there, either. Think globally, but act locally. And mean it, be sincere. And just win, baby!

JMHO.

 

[Jellsville USA]

The idea that UNH is short of well-heeled benefactors is friggin' laughable. The NH Seacoast region is arguably the most affluent area in Northern New England, and Portsmouth and its suburbs alone are awash in ample gobs of cash. I can't think of an area anywhere across New England that has grown so much, so quickly over the last generation. It bucks the trend of the rest of New England by a fair amount, and with the negative growth trends to the south of us, and quite the opposite in all of southern NH, I expect the influx of capital to communities less than 30 minutes from UNH Durham will continue unabated. A few examples we've mentioned before includes TDL (Snives invoked his name earlier) who is already IN and looking at all kinds of development options in the area, including the McIntyre project in Portsmouth. Joe Faro is printing money with his Tuscan Village megaplex in Salem, and he's a former UNH guy. Sal Lupoli - another paisan food entrepreneur that has been rebuilding Lawrence just south of us - is actively pursuing his own 9-figure megaproject at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom project that's working its way through the local review boards. That's only three (3) guys, all of whom are at an age where legacy matters.

If someone in a high position at UNH really wanted to resurrect UNH Hockey ... drawing up a strategy and a list of key (Key? lol) potential donors to wine & dine would not seem to be so difficult. It is now, however, because the HC has no apparent ambition, much less any vision of the great potential that is here to be mined. A HC, mind you, who was a player here a generation ago, and saw the program at its apex at a time when the local economy was a fraction then of what it is now. It makes you wonder just how observant MS7 was back then, and if the only lesson he took out of his playing career was, "if only I can mimic Coach Umile's style, this all looks like an exceptionally easy gig??"

If you get the right guy ... UNH past or otherwise, but someone who wants to be a college head coach as a career destination (which makes a UNH alum theoretically so potentially attractive in the position), and someone who is not gonna be afraid to work 12 months a year, and 80+ hours a week in-season, PLUS is an outgoing personality who can be genuine in selling his program (and himself) to the potential donors, we can still do amazing things with hockey in Durham. Bring back Friends, eff the so-called NCAA related issues. Do frequent pressers, cultivate relations across all forms of media - traditional radio/TV, podcasts, etc. - send your players out into the community, let local kids know they can regularly see a very good hockey product in Duirham for a fraction of the cost of a trek to Boston to see the (faltering) B's.

It's crazy that at a time when the local Southeast NH economy has never been better, UNH Hockey has never been so irrelevant. And if UNH is worried about declining student applications, your community outreach by the hockey program can't hurt to connect future students to the school. Both of my kids grew up at a time when UNH players would visit their school annually (if not more). Both went to UNH, and it wasn't Mom or Dad pushing them to go there, either. Think globally, but act locally. And mean it, be sincere. And just win, baby!

JMHO.

Spot on Chuck! If AD Rich really wanted to resurrect the Hockey program she could. Unfortunately, we may be seeing a philosophy with UNH Athletics that rewards all for showing up with little emphasis on winning...... (Forever Optimistic!)

 

[Darius]

"Click to expand..." quoted responses is my favorite new feature!

Also, where do y'all get your psychedelics? Thanks.

 

[d.gerry]

I am with you Scott. Full disclosure, I renewed my season tix this year (had them for 22 years prior to cancelling in 2017). It appeared last season that the team was turning the corner from a significant drought (20 wins with most coming back). I honestly felt the only question mark was goaltending. I have watched every minute of every game this year. My conclusion is that the boys are not being coached (I really wanted to give MS7 the benefit of the doubt). Warmups lack the organization, commitment to detail they had under Umile. During the games there is not much communication between the coaches and players. Before games I see some team building but no organization. The BU game was certainly an off game for Whale, but some of our top line forwards were out of position in the defensive end creating high risk opportunities, and more pressure on our blue liners. I do think it is time to make a coaching change. Say it ain't so, but Souza's gotta go!! I would be all in on Ayers! (Forever Optimistic!).

I couldn't agree more on coaching, but to be fair, he was brought up under Umile's tutelage, who was similarly criticized. Also, when interviewed, Souza has a tired and low-energy vibe. I'm not sure what he is like in the locker room, but if it's anything like his "public persona," it can hardly be motivational and inspiring. I debated renewing my season tickets after giving them up last season (I had them since the opening of the Whittemore in 1995), but I'm not disappointed I passed. Ayer's should be on the shortlist to replace MS7. However, a national search should be conducted.

 

[Potluck]

Chuck Murray: Sal Lupoli is a northeastern grad. The fact that UNH got a bucket of money from Key Auto and the state legislature but still can’t drum up the dough for the renovations only serves to harm fundraising. UNH needs the legislature to get more involved.

A much better approach is the governor and state reps and senators. Money for renovations and more money for salaries infrastructure. Otherwise the program will stay at the bottom with a once in a decade Cinderella season.

 

[d.gerry]

Chuck Murray: Sal Lupoli is a northeastern grad. The fact that UNH got a bucket of money from Key Auto and the state legislature but still can’t drum up the dough for the renovations only serves to harm fundraising. UNH needs the legislature to get more involved.

A much better approach is the governor and state reps and senators. Money for renovations and more money for salaries infrastructure. Otherwise the program will stay at the bottom with a once in a decade Cinderella season.

What is this "once in a decade Cinderella season" you reference?

 

[HockeyRef]

Update on my conversation with AD Rich. Nothing on the renovations though as previously stated, I was told this fall.

She did mention that after the March 1st game against BC, there will be “Breakaway with the Cats” where we will get to hear from the team and their thoughts on the season.

Interesting that this wasn’t mentioned the other day when we weee offered the summer event. I’m assuming this put together between my emails Monday and tonight.

They did something similar to this last season...it was players only. Pretty tame questions as you'd expect, nothing more than 'what's your favorite away arena'...Gone
are the days fans hear direct testimony, ask real questions that might matter to the HC...(there's a reason for that). It's always nice to be with the team tho, I guess..you
take what you can get.

Ps...yesterday being Wednesday is the Souza presser with select media. I wonder what they talked about. Sometimes you get snippets from those who attend or the UL might
have a story; haven't checked my UL today (which I want to clarify I ONLY get during hockey season lol)

 

[HockeyRef]

Chuck Murray: Sal Lupoli is a northeastern grad. The fact that UNH got a bucket of money from Key Auto and the state legislature but still can’t drum up the dough for the renovations only serves to harm fundraising. UNH needs the legislature to get more involved.

A much better approach is the governor and state reps and senators. Money for renovations and more money for salaries infrastructure. Otherwise the program will stay at the bottom with a once in a decade Cinderella season.

Not to get political but I have a feeling there's not going to be a ton of money available from the state given the massive cuts that are projected....and, school voucher programs (which I said...I don't want to get political about) But, as I've said, I am 100% in favor of building rennies...and was always for the 'tron.

 

[HockeyRef]

They did something similar to this last season...it was players only. Pretty tame questions as you'd expect, nothing more than 'what's your favorite away arena'...Gone
are the days fans hear direct testimony, ask real questions that might matter to the HC...(there's a reason for that). It's always nice to be with the team tho, I guess..you
take what you can get.

What is this "once in a decade Cinderella season" you reference?

You are sooo bad...hahaha Come on....we went .500 in 2015 and last season also ranks right up there!

 

[UNHHockey16]

Just got my email to renew my season tickets. First year in a while that I’m seriously considering not renewing them. I think I will wait to see what direction the athletics department decides to go. Favorite part is the part that says “the 2024-25 season is still going strong!" Must have forgotten to tell the marketing department we are in fact not going strong.

 

[d.gerry]

You are sooo bad...hahaha Come on....we went .500 in 2015 and last season also ranks right up there!

If last year was considered a Cinderella season by some, oh boy.

 

[Marshmont_63]

In search of two tickets for tomorrow’s game against BC. Would love to bring my Dad. If anyone has any extras or would be willing to sell at a reasonable price please let me know. Thanks!

 

[Snively65]

A much better approach is the governor and state reps and senators. Money for renovations and more money for salaries infrastructure. Otherwise the program will stay at the bottom with a once in a decade Cinderella season.

I do not think that Concord is going to be coughing extra funds for our State U anytime soon. The football scoreboard was funded by an unrestricted gift from a UNH librarian’s estate and the Whitt’s Jumbotron (I was for it before I was against it) was funded through an effort driven by former players’ parents. Sounds like Anthony DiLorenzo’s $4 mil gift has strings, like matching funds or something?

 

[Snively65]

If last year was considered a Cinderella season by some, oh boy.

If our 0.500 record in 2015 was a Cinderella story, then I will one up HR and say that last season’s 20 wins was a Super Cinderella story.